Automated prescription filling system/method with automated labeling and packaging system/method and automated order consolidation system/method

ABSTRACT

Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/194,322, filed Aug. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,668,618, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/714,011, filed Mar.5, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/328,955, filed Jan. 9, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/777,114, filed Feb. 13, 2004, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/215,249, filed Aug. 9,2002, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/401,340, filed Aug. 7, 2002, all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods, systems and mediumfor automatically dispensing and/or packaging of prescriptions and/orprescription orders wherein disparate pharmaceutical packages, e.g.,bottles with automatically and/or manually dispensed pills, packageswith pharmaceutical products, literature packs that are optionallypatient specific, etc., are automatically dispensed and/or combined intopackages. The present invention may be used for mail order pharmacies,wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution orsale including a retailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In mail service pharmacies and large retail pharmacies, prescriptiondrugs are dispensed in a high volume. For such services, it is known touse an automatic pill dispensing system to carry out the dispensing ofthe prescription drugs automatically at a rapid rate and to label pillcontainers which can then be provided to the patient for whom theprescriptions were written.

A known automatic pill dispensing system is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,771,657 issued to Lasher et al., which is incorporated herein byreference. In the patent, as shown in the schematic illustration of FIG.1A, orders (e.g., orders to fill prescriptions) are received by a hostcomputer 9 which forwards the orders to a distributed computer systemincluding a central computer called Pharmacy Automation Controller 10(PAC). PAC maintains an order file of the information about eachprescription to be filled in an order including all of the informationneeded to fill each prescription, prepare a prescription label for eachprescription and the information to print literature to go in a shippingcontainer with the prescription or prescriptions. PAC updates the orderfile to maintain a record of the current status of each prescriptionbeing filled as it progresses through the automated system.

PAC 10 controls a set of PAL stations 14 which print prescription bottlelabels, apply the prescriptions to prescription bottles, and load thelabeled bottles onto bottle carriers, a carrier conveyer system 21 whichcarries the bottle carriers to different parts of the system, automaticdrug dispensing machines 23 which dispense tablets or capsules into theprescription bottles in the bottle carriers as they are carried by theconveyer system 21, bottle cappers 25 which apply caps to the bottles,and OCP stations 29 at which the bottles are unloaded from the carriersand placed in the shipping containers corresponding to the patientorders. The conveyer system 21 carries the bottles in the carriers fromthe PAL stations through the automatic drug dispensing machines 23 tothe bottle cappers 25 and then from the bottle cappers to the OCPstations 29. The conveyer system 21 also carries the empty carriers backto the PAL stations 14. The OCP stations each also have a literaturedispensing mechanism, which inserts printed literature into eachshipping container with the filled and capped prescription bottles. PAC10 controls literature printers 31 which print literature for eachprescription order and enclose the literature for each prescriptionorder in an envelope, print a bar code that shows through a window inthe envelope identifying the prescription order, and then place eachenvelope on a literature conveyer 34 which carries the envelope from theliterature printers 31 to the OCP stations 29.

As shown in FIG. 1B, bottles to be automatically filled with theprescription drugs are introduced to the automated system by hoppers 37which receive the bottles in bulk form and automatically feed thebottles to unscramblers 39. One of the hoppers 37 and one of theunscramblers 39 will be for large bottles of 160 cc. and the remaininghoppers and unscramblers will be for small bottles of 110 cc. The smallbottle size can accommodate a majority of the automatically filledprescriptions. The large bottles are large enough for 91 percent of theprescriptions and are used to fill the prescriptions in that 91 percentwhich are too large for the small bottles. The remaining 9 percent ofthe prescriptions which are too large for the large bottles are filledby using multiple bottles. A large bottle and a small bottle willcontain a volume required for 97.5 percent of the automatically filledprescriptions. In the unscramblers, the bottles are singulated andoriented so that the bottle opening first faces downward. The bottlesare then righted and directed to PAL stations 14 on bottle conveyers 41and 43, one for large bottles and one for small bottles.

In the above described conventional system, bottles from one order andcorresponding literature are combined into one package. However, manyorders include prescriptions for non-pill pharmaceutical products. Forexample, prescriptions may include liquid pharmaceutical packages, boxesand/or pre-packaged bulk bottles. In addition, as noted above, whenprescriptions are filled and mailed to patients, the mail package mayinclude literatures relating to the drugs in the package. Theconventional systems are not configured to dispense and combineautomatically the above-listed disparate pharmaceutical products intopackages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Computer-assisted methods, systems and mediums of the present inventionovercome, among others, the shortcomings of the above-describedconventional systems.

The present invention includes a system for filling at least one orderthat includes one or more prescriptions. The system includes at leastone order consolidation station configured to receive at least onebottle containing pills individually counted and/or the at least onepackage containing pharmaceutical products without having beenpre-designated for the at least one order when the at least one packagewas created. The at least one bottle is specifically designated for theat least one order, and the at least one order includes at least oneprescription for the at least one package. The order consolidationstation is further configured to combine automatically the received atleast one bottle and/or the at least one package to send the combinedthe at least one bottle and/or the at least one package to a patient forwhom the at least one order was written, thereby filling the at leastone prescription.

The at least one order consolidation station can be further configuredto receive at least one literature pack containing printed literaturerelating to the at least one order and configured to combine the atleast one literature pack with the combined at least one bottle and/orthe at least one package.

The system may also include a package storage device having an array oflocations and configured to store the at least one package into one ofthe array of locations. The system can also include a package dispenserconfigured to identify the one of the array of locations, pick the atleast one package from the one of the array of locations and send the atleast one package to the order consolidation station.

The system may also include a package storage device having an array oflocations and configured to store a plurality of packages into the arrayof locations and store the at least one package into one of the array oflocations. The system can include a package dispenser configured toidentify the one of the array of locations, pick the at least onepackage from the one of the array of locations and send the at least onepackage to the order consolidation station.

The package dispenser can include a package label printer to print atleast one label for the at least one package. The label is printed withpatient specific information including instructions by a prescribingdoctor to the patient. The package dispenser may further include a labelfolder and/or manipulator configured to fold and/or manipulate the atleast one label into a wrapped label having a sufficiently smallfootprint to be affixed on the at least one package. The packagedispenser can also include an error detection system configured todetect and read the label affixed on the at least one package andconfigured to reject the at least one package and the label if anincorrect label is affixed thereto.

The system can also include a bottle storage device having an array oflocations and configured to store a plurality of bottles into one of thearray of locations, and a bottle dispenser configured to identify theone of the array of locations and send the at least one bottle from theone of the array of the locations to the order consolidation station.

The bottle dispenser can also comprise a metal detector configured todetect a present of a metallic substance in the at least one bottle. Thebottle dispenser can be further configured to reject the at least onebottle if a metallic substance is detected therein. The bottle dispensercan also include a bottle magazine to receive the at least one bottlebelonging to the one of at least one order. The bottle magazine isdisposed and configured to release the received at least one bottle intothe bag.

In addition, the system can also include a bagger configured to open abag to receive the at least one bottle and/or the at least one packageinto the bag. The bagger can also include an address label or internalcontrol label printer configured to print an address of the patient. Thebagger can be further configured to affix the address label or internalcontrol label on the bag before the bag is opened.

The present invention also includes a system for filling at least oneorder. The system may include a bottle handling station configured tostore and dispense at least one bottle containing pills individuallycounted. The at least one bottle is specifically designated for the atleast one order. The system can also include a package handling stationconfigured to store and dispense at least one package containingpharmaceutical products without having been pre-designated for the atleast one order when the at least one package was created. The at leastone order includes at least one prescription for the at least onepackage. The system can further include an order consolidation stationconfigured to combine the received at least one bottle and/or the atleast one package to send the received at least one bottle and the atleast one package to a patient for whom the at least one order waswritten, to thereby fill the one of at least one order and/orprescription.

The system may also include a literature handling station configured tostore and dispense at least one literature pack containing printedliterature relating to the at least one order. The order consolidationstation can be further configured to receive the at least one literaturepack and combine the at least one literature pack with the received atleast one bottle and/or the at least one package.

The present invention also provides a system for filling a plurality oforders. The system comprises a bottle handling station configured tostore a plurality of bottles each containing pills individually counted.Each bottle is specifically designated for one of the plurality oforders. The system can also include a literature handling stationconfigured to store a plurality of literature packs each containingprinted literature relating to one of the plurality of orders andconfigured to determine a sequence in which the literature packs arestored with respect to corresponding orders. The system may also includea computer system configured to monitor the bottle handling andliterature handling stations and configured to cause the bottle handlingstation to dispense the bottles in the sequence in which the literaturepacks are stored with respect to corresponding orders and/orprescriptions. The system may further include an order consolidationstation configured to receive the bottles and the literature packs inthe sequence in which the literature packs are stored with respect tocorresponding orders and/or prescriptions and configured to combine thebottles and the literature packs belonging to one of the plurality oforders.

The system may also include a package handling station configured tostore a plurality of packages containing pharmaceutical products withouthaving been designated for any of the plurality of orders when theplurality of packages is created. The computer system is furtherconfigured to monitor the package handling station and cause the packagehandling station to dispense the packages in the sequence in which theliterature packs are stored with respect to corresponding orders. Theorder consolidation station can be further configured to receive thepackages in the sequence in which the literature packs are stored withrespect to corresponding orders and/or prescriptions and configured tocombine the packages belonging to the one of the plurality of orderswith the combined bottles and literature packs.

The computer system can also be configured to detect an error when thebottles are not received by the order consolidation station in thesequence in which the literature packs are stored. The computer systemcan also be configured to detect an error when the packages are notreceived by the order consolidation station in the sequence in which theliterature packs are stored.

The present invention also provides a method for filling at least oneorder. The method can include the step of receiving at least one bottlecontaining pills individually counted and/or the at least one packagecontaining pharmaceutical products without having been pre-designatedfor the at least one order when the at least one package was created.The at least one bottle is specifically designated for the at least oneorder, and the at least one order includes at least one prescription forthe at least one package. The method may also include the step ofautomatically combining the received at least one bottle and/or the atleast one package to send the at least one bottle and/or the at leastone package to a patient for whom the at least one order was written, tothereby fill the one of at least one order.

The method may also include the step of receiving at least oneliterature pack containing printed literature relating to the at leastone order and configured to combine the at least one literature packwith the received at least one bottle and/or the at least one package.

The method can also include the steps of storing the at least onepackage into one of an array of locations of a package storage device,identifying the one of the array of locations, and picking the at leastone package from the one of the array of locations. The method mayfurther include the step of printing at least one label for the at leastone package. The label is printed with patient specific informationincluding instructions by a prescribing doctor to the patient. Themethod can also include the step of folding, configuring or manipulatingthe at least one label into a sufficiently small footprint to be affixedon the at least one package.

The method may also include the steps of detecting and reading the labelaffixed on the at least one package, and rejecting the at least onepackage and the label if an incorrect label is affixed thereto. Themethod can also include the steps of storing the at least one bottleinto one of an array of locations in a bottle storage device, andidentifying the one of the array of locations. The method may furthercomprise the steps of detecting the presence of a metallic substance inthe at least one bottle and rejecting the at least one bottle if ametallic substance is detected therein.

The method may also include the step of opening a bag to receive the atleast one bottle and/or the at least one package into the bag. Themethod may also include the steps of printing an address of the patientand affixing the address label on the bag before the bag is opened.

The present invention also provides a method for filling at least oneorder. The method comprises the step of storing and dispensing at leastone bottle containing pills individually counted. The at least onebottle is specifically designated for the at least one order. The methodmay also include the step of storing and dispensing at least one packagecontaining pharmaceutical products without having been designated forany of the at least one order when the at least one package was created.The at least one order includes at least one prescription for the atleast one package. The method can also include the step of combining thereceived at least one bottle and/or the at least one package to senddirectly or indirectly using a variety of means, for example, through aretailer, wholesaler, and/or central fill, the at least one bottleand/or the at least one package to a patient for whom the at least oneorder was written, to thereby fill the one of at least one order.

The method may also include the steps of storing and dispensing at leastone literature pack containing printed literature relating to the atleast one order and receiving the at least one literature pack andcombining the at least one literature pack with the received at leastone bottle and/or the at least one package.

The present invention also provides a system for filling at least oneorder. The system includes at least one order consolidation means forreceiving at least one bottle containing pills individually countedand/or the at least one package containing pharmaceutical productswithout having been pre-designated for the at least one order when theat least one package was created. The at least one bottle isspecifically designated for the at least one order, and the at least oneorder includes at least one prescription for the at least one package.The order consolidation means can be further configured forautomatically combining the received at least one bottle and/or the atleast one package into a bag to be sent to a patient for whom the atleast one order was written, to thereby fill the one of at least oneorder.

The order consolidation means can be further configured for receiving atleast one literature pack containing printed literature relating to theat least one order and combining the at least one literature pack withthe received at least one bottle and at least one package.

The system may also include a package storage means, having an array oflocations, for storing the at least one package into one of the array oflocations and a package dispense means for identifying the one of thearray of locations, picking the at least one package from the one of thearray of locations and sending the at least one package to the orderconsolidation means. The package dispense means can also include apackage label printer to print at least one label for the at least onepackage. The label is printed with patient specific informationincluding instructions by a prescribing doctor to the patient. Thepackage dispense means can further include a label folder configured tofold the at least one configured or manipulated label having asufficiently small footprint to be affixed on the at least one package.

The package dispense means can further include an error detection systemconfigured to detect and read the label affixed on the at least onepackage and discard the at least one package and the label if anincorrect label is affixed thereto.

The system can also include a bottle storage means, having an array oflocations, for storing the at least one bottle into one of the array oflocations and a bottle dispense means for identifying the one of thearray of locations and sending the at least one bottle from the one ofthe array of the locations to the order consolidation means.

The bottle dispense means can include a metal detector means fordetecting the presence of a metallic substance in the at least onebottle. The bottle dispense means may be further configured forrejecting the at least one bottle if a metallic substance is detectedtherein.

The bottle dispense means can include a bottle magazine means forreceiving the at least one bottle belonging to the one of at least oneorder. The bottle magazine means is disposed and configured to releaseall received at least one bottle into the bag.

The system may also include a bagger means for opening the bag toreceive the at least one bottle and at least one package into the bag.The bagger means may include an address label printer means for printingan address of the patient. The bagger means can be further configuredfor affixing the address label on the bag before the bag is opened.

The present invention may also provide a system for filling at least oneorder. The system may include a bottle handling means for storing anddispensing at least one bottle containing pills individually counted.The at least one bottle is specifically designated for the at least oneorder. The system may also include a package handling means for storingand dispensing at least one package containing pharmaceutical productswithout having been designated for any of the at least one order whenthe at least one package was created. The at least one order may includeat least one prescription for the at least one package. The system mayalso include an order consolidation means for combining the received atleast one bottle and at least one package into a bag to be sent to apatient for whom the at least one order was written, to thereby fill theone of at least one order.

The system may also include a literature handling means for storing anddispensing at least one literature pack containing printed literaturerelating to the at least one order. The order consolidation means can befurther configured to receive the at least one literature pack andcombining the at least one literature pack with the received at leastone bottle and/or the at least one package.

The system can also provide a system for filling a plurality of orders.The system can include a bottle handling means for storing a pluralityof bottles each containing pills individually counted. Each bottleand/or bottles is/are specifically designated for one of the pluralityof orders. The system may also include a literature handling means forstoring a plurality of literature packs each containing printedliterature relating to one of the plurality of orders and fordetermining a sequence in which the literature packs are stored withrespect to corresponding orders. The system may also include a computersystem configured to monitor the bottle handling and literature handlingmeans and configured to cause the bottle handling means to dispense thebottles in the sequence in which the literature packs are stored withrespect to corresponding orders. The system may also include an orderconsolidation means for receiving the bottles and the literature packsin the sequence in which the literature packs are stored with respect tocorresponding orders and for combining the bottles and the literaturepacks belonging to one of the plurality of orders.

The system may further include a package handling means for storing aplurality of packages containing pharmaceutical products without havingbeen designated for any of the plurality of orders when the plurality ofpackages is created. The computer system can be further configured tomonitor the package handling means and cause the package handling meansto dispense the packages in the sequence in which the literature packsare stored with respect to corresponding orders. The order consolidationmeans can be further configured for receiving the packages in thesequence in which the literature packs are stored with respect tocorresponding orders and configured for combining the packages belongingto the one of the plurality of orders with the received bottles andliterature packs.

The present invention may also include a bottle storage apparatus. Thedevice comprising a plurality of storage locations, each storagelocation, for example, having a top side and a bottom side, and a pindisposed on the bottom side of each of the plurality of storagelocations, the pin having an open position and a closed position. Otherstorage location configurations may alternatively be used. The devicealso comprises a first gantry crane having a means for picking up abottle and feeding the bottle to one of the plurality of storagelocations via the top side thereof. The bottle is held by the one of theplurality of storage locations, for example, when the pin is in theclosed position. The system may also include a second gantry cranehaving a means for moving, for example, one of the pins from the closedposition to the open position. The system may also include a computersystem coupled to the first and second loading devices (e.g., gantrycranes) and capable of identifying a location of each storage location.The computer system can be configured to instruct the first loadingdevice to pick up one or more bottles belonging to a order and to feedthe one or more bottles to one or more of the plurality of storagelocations. The computer system can be further configured to instruct thesecond gantry crane to, for example, move the pins of the one or more ofthe plurality of storage locations from the close position to the openposition when all of the one or more bottles belonging to the order hasbeen fed to the one or more of the plurality of storage locations.

The plurality of storage locations forms a table. The first gantry craneis disposed on a top side of the table and the second gantry crane,robot arm and/or other standard mechanism is disposed on a bottom sideof the table.

The invention of present application provides a system of filling aplurality of orders. A pinch belt including a plurality of locationseach of which is capable of carrying a pack of printed material belongto a order. A bottle storage table includes a plurality of storagelocations to store at least one bottle belonging to the order. A firstconveyor line is located to receive the at least one bottle from thebottle storage table and having a moving surface to move the at leastone bottle received from the bottle storage table. The system may alsoinclude a means for receiving and holding the at least one bottle and aplurality of shelf locations, each shelf location containing at leastone package belonging to the order. The system may also include a robothaving an end effector to pick the at least one package and a means torelease the at least one package and a second conveyor line having amoving surface to move the at least one package received from the robot.The system can also include a robot arm or other standard mechanismhaving an end effector to pick up the at least one package and a baggerhaving a set of arms to open and hold a bag. The system can furtherinclude a computer system configured to instruct the pinch belt toconvey at least one pack of printed material and discharge the at leastone pack into the bag, instruct the bottle storage table to release theat least one bottle, instruct the first conveyor line to move the atleast one bottle and dispose the at least one bottle into the bag,instruct the robot to pick up the at least one package and release theat least one package onto the second conveyor line, instruct the secondconveyor line to move the at least one package, and instruct the robotarm to pick up and dispose the at least one package into the bag.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof that followsmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

Other features of the present invention will be evident to those ofordinary skill, particularly upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Notations and Nomenclature

The detailed descriptions which follow may be presented in terms ofprogram procedures executed on computing or processing systems such as,for example, a stand-alone computing machine, a computer or network ofcomputers. These procedural descriptions and representations are themeans used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art.

A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a sequence of stepsleading to a desired result. These steps are those that may requirephysical manipulations of physical quantities (e.g., combining variouspharmaceutical products into packages). Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical, optical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared andotherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should benoted, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associatedwith the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenientlabels applied to these quantities.

Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms,such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mentaloperations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a humanoperator is necessary, or desirable in most cases, in any of theoperations described herein which form part of the present invention;the operations are machine operations. Useful machines for performingthe operation of the present invention include general purpose digitalcomputers or similar devices, including, but not limited to,microprocessors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the present application showing variousdistinctive features may be best understood when the detaileddescription is read in reference to the appended drawing in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B are diagrams illustrating a conventional automated pilldispenser;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating various components of embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an initial set of determinations that ahost computer is configured to make for embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating various steps performed by embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various steps performed by embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating various steps performed by embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating various steps performed by embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various example components ofembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9C are diagrams illustrating an example bottle storage table ofembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a tube structure of the example bottlestorage table of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example storage device anddispenser for packages of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example consolidation station andits associated components of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the steps performed by theconsolidation station and its associated components of embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example package scanning andlabeling station of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15A-15E are diagrams of an example consolidation station and itsassociated components of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of example bagger and dispenser forpackages of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an example bagger and dispenser forbottles of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a label for a package of embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the steps performed and dispenser forpackages and its local computer of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is diagram illustrating an example bagger of embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating example control processes forembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 22-26 are diagrams illustrating example control schemes forliterature packs of embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example computer network scheme forembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram representation of an example embodiment ofcomputer network(s) implementing embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a computer that can be used in implementingembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of internal hardware of the example computershown in FIG. 29; and

FIG. 31 illustrates one example of a memory medium which may be used forstoring computer programs of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention. Such embodiments are provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, which is not intended to be limitedthereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate uponreading the present specification and viewing the present drawings thatvarious modifications and variations can be made.

For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodimentcan be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment.Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devicesor features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similarfunctions. It is therefore intended that such modifications andvariations are included within the totality of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to dispensing ordersthat include various pharmaceutical products (e.g., bottles that containcounted pills, packages that include liquid or pre-packagedpharmaceutical products and/or patient specific literatures). Inembodiments of the present invention pills also refer to tablets,capsules and other similar terms known in the art. FIG. 2 is a schematicdiagram illustrating various components that can be used in embodimentsof the present invention. In particular, the components include astorage device for packages 203, dispenser for the packages 205, storagedevice for bottles filled with counted pills 209, dispenser for thebottled with counted pills 207, storage device for patient specificliteratures 211, dispenser for the patient specific literatures 213,consolidation station 215 and host computer 201. Embodiments of thepresent invention can also include one or more local computers (Notshown in FIG. 2). For instance, each of the components listed above(e.g., the storage device for packages 203, dispenser for the packages205, storage device for bottles 209, dispenser for bottles 207, storagedevice for literature packs 211 and dispenser for literature packs 213)can be connected to one or more local computers. The local computers inturn are connected to the host computer 201. In this way, the hostcomputer 201 and local computers are configured to control the variouscomponents of the present invention as described below.

A local computer can also function with a standard Programmable LogicController (PLC). A PLC typically includes an I/O card to turn on/off adevice. Accordingly, when a component is to be controlled by turning iton/off, a PLC can be used. When a large quantity of data is to beexchanged, a local computer can be used.

The storage device for packages 203 stores packages that containpharmaceutical products. For example, one set of packages may contain apredetermined number of tablets (e.g., 500 tablets) of a certain drug(e.g., Allegra). Another set of example packages may include liquidpharmaceutical products. The packages can be made by original producersof drugs (e.g., Hoechst Marion Roussel). The packages can also be bulkbottles that are filled by any one of many automated (e.g., the ADDS) ormanual methods known in the art. These packages can then be shelved sothat their locations can be automatically identified. In turn, thedispenser for the packages 205 is configured to automatically identifythe location of any package with a certain type of drug, dosage and/orquantity and configured to pick one or more packages from the identifiedlocation. In other words, a package contains a pharmaceutical productwithout having been pre-designated for any specific order when thepackage was created.

In operation, the command to locate and pick one or more packages isreceived from the host computer 201. The dispenser for packages can alsobe connected to its own local computer to perform the necessaryfunctions to locate and pick one or more packages in accordance with thecommand from the host computer 201. It should be noted that the packagesstored in the storage device for packages 203 are not designated for anyspecific patient. In other words, any package can be picked to fill aorder of a patient as long as the type of drug, dosage and/or quantityare matched with the order.

Embodiments of the present invention can also include a standard sensoror a standard counter to indicate when a specific type of package is outof stock in the storage device for packages 203. These sensors orcounters can be present at each location (or a substantial number ofthem). The signals from the sensors or counters can be communicated to,for example, the host computer 201 via the local computer. In turn, thehost computer 201 can notify an operator or system to replenish thespecific packages and/or stop the process of filling orders that requirethe specific type of package that are out of stock in the storage devicefor packages 203. In addition, or optionally, the host computer 201 cansend a query to the storage device for packages 203 regarding whether acertain number of certain packages are available to be dispensed. Inresponse, the storage device for packages 203, or in combination withits local computer, can send a response based on information from thesensors and/or counters. Alternatively, sensors may be placed on therobot arm or picking device to provide the similar functionality. In yetanother alternative, sensors are not utilized and the system keepslogical control by knowing how many packages have been placed in achannel and how many packages have been removed from the channel.

The dispenser for bottles 207 is configured to receive bottles thatcontain specific number (e.g., 1-500 or more) of pills for a specificorder. For example, one bottle may include 350 tablets of one type ofdrug for patient A, while another bottle may include 600 tablets ofanother type of drug for patient B. The bottles can be filled by anyautomatic dispensing mechanisms known in the art (e.g., the system shownin U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,657). The bottles can also be filled by a person(e.g., a pharmacist) manually counting pills.

If an automatic dispensing system is used, the host computer 201 sendscommands to fill bottles with certain number of pills for a certain typeof drug. Once they are filled, the bottles are stored in the storagedevice for bottles 209. In a similar fashion, in a manual system, thedispensing person would receive an instruction to count certain numberof tablets for a certain type of drug. The person fills bottlesaccording to the instructions and forwards the bottles to the storagedevice for bottles 209.

Once the storage device for bottles 209 receives all the bottlesnecessary to fill an order, the storage device for bottles 209 or inconnection with its local computer sends a message to the host computer201 indicating that the bottle portion of the order has been filled. Forexample, an order to fill an order may require 1450 pills of a certaintype of drug. In this example, the storage device for packages 203 mayalready have two packages each with 500 pills of the drug. If so, onebottle with 450 pills of the drug is necessary to fill the bottleportion of the order. (If one bottle cannot receive all 450 pills thenmore than one bottle would become necessary to provide the 450 pills).

Now turning to describe the storage device for literature packs 211,contains literatures to be packaged with specific orders. For example, aset of literature packs for one order may include information relatingto each of the prescribed drugs, how often each drug must be taken,billing information, special instructions from the prescribing doctor,insurance information, refilling information and/or general information,for example health or notification of other services. The set ofliterature packs is then packaged per order and collected in the storagedevice for literature packs 211. Once the necessary literature packs arecreated, the storage device for literature packs 211, or in combinationwith its local computer, can notify the host computer 201 that theliterature pack has been printed.

Upon receiving various information from the storage device for packages203, storage device for bottles 209 and storage device for literaturepacks 211, the host computer 201 then sends instructions to thedispenser for the packages 205, dispenser for bottles 207 and dispenserfor literature packs 213, or to their local computers, to dispensenecessary bottle(s), package(s) and literature pack(s) to fill one ormore orders. The dispensed bottle(s), package(s) and literature pack(s)are then consolidated by the consolidation station 215 and then sent,distributed or mailed out directly or indirectly to patients associatedwith the orders. The interactions between the consolidation station 215and the various components illustrated in FIG. 2 are further describedin detail below.

More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates example steps taken by the hostcomputer 201 in combination with the local computers and/or the variouscomponents. The host computer 201 first receives a request to fill aorder. In response, the host computer 201 creates an order number anddetermines whether the order contains an order that requires bottles tobe filled by counting individual tablets and whether the order containsan order that requires packages from the storage device for bottles 209.Depending upon the answers to the above two questions the host computer201 conducts a number of different sets of steps.

If the order requires both one or more bottles from the storage devicefor bottles 209 and one or more packages from the storage device forpackages 203, then the steps shown in FIG. 4 are executed. If the orderrequires one or more bottles from the storage device for bottles 209 butdoes not require any packages from the storage device for packages 203,then the steps shown in FIG. 5 are executed. If the order requires nobottles from the storage device for bottles 209 but requires one or morepackages from storage device for packages 203, then the steps shown inFIG. 6 are executed. If the order requires no bottles from the storagedevice for bottles 209 and no packages from the storage device forpackages 203, then the steps shown in FIG. 7 are executed.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a set of steps that can be performedby the host computer 201, in combination with various other componentsillustrated in FIG. 2 and their local computers when both bottle(s) fromthe storage device for bottles 209 and package(s) from the storagedevice for packages 203 are required to be filled for a order. In themanual counting system, an instruction can be printed or shown on anoperator's computer monitor to count and fill a specific drug. In theautomated system, the host computer 201 can send a set of commands tocause a drug dispenser to count and fill a specific drug, therebyperforming the step of automatically dispensing tablets into bottles(step 401).

Whether the manual system and/or the automated system is used, label(s)are prepared and printed to be affixed on the surface of the bottles,thereby performing the step of associating order specific informationwith the bottles (step 403). The label can be affixed on the caps, sidesand/or bottom sides of the bottles as long as they can be located in thelater processing steps. The printed labels can contain variousinformation. At minimum, it can contain machine readable (e.g.,barcodes) and/or human readable codes/texts so the bottles can bematched to the order numbers in the later processing steps. In addition,the labels can contain information relating to the patient, the drug orany other pertinent information or any combination thereof. One label ora set of labels can be printed and affixed on each bottle. The labelscan be printed before, after and/or while the bottles are filled. If thelabels are printed before or after the bottles are filled, then printedlabels or the bottles need to be queued to be matched with correctbottles or labels, respectively. It should be noted that the informationcan be printed on the bottles directly and that the information can bealternatively contained in a unique identifier (e.g., radio tags).

As noted above, in filling some orders, more than one bottle may berequired. Accordingly, the host computer 201 and/or the local computerdetermines how many bottles are required. If more than one bottle isrequired, a notification that the bottles are filled is sent after allthe bottles have been filled (steps 405, 407, and 409). If only onebottle is required, a notification is sent as soon as the one bottle isfilled (steps 405 and 409). The bottles with the labels affixed thereonare then sent and stored in the storage device for bottles 209. Uponreceiving the notification, the host computer 201 and/or a localcomputer causes corresponding literature pack(s) to be printed (step411). In some embodiments before, after and/or while the bottles arefilled, the host computer 201 can cause literature pack(s) relating tothe order to be printed. Once the literature pack(s) is printed, theycan be sent and stored in the storage device for literature packs 211.

When the printing literature packs step is completed, a notification issent to the host computer 201 and/or local computer (step 415). Uponreceiving the notification that the literature packs have been printed,the host computer 201 and/or local computers cause packages required tofill the order to be automatically dispensed from dispenser for thepackages 205 (steps 415).

With respect to the packages in the storage device for packages 203, asnoted above, the host computer 201 can determine if the necessarypackages are stocked in the storage device for packages 203. If not,then the host computer 201 can cause the necessary packages to bestocked in the storage device for packages 203 (either manually orautomatically).

Although the steps illustrated in FIG. 4 can be performed in a sequence,such a sequence is not required in the present invention. For instance,the step of printing literature packs (step 411) can be performed beforeother steps. In another example, the step of filling bottles (steps 405,407, 409) can be performed before other steps. It should be noted thatdetermining which of the steps are performed before other steps can bean engineering design choice. In one instance, if the step of printingliterature packs takes the longest time compared with other steps, thenthe printing step may be started the first. In another instance, if thestep of filling bottle(s) takes the longest time compared with othersteps, then the filling bottle(s) step may be started the first beforeother steps.

Now turning back to FIG. 4, once the host computer 201 receivesnotifications from the storage device for literature packs 211, storagedevice for bottles 209 and storage device for packages 203 that therespective literature(s), bottle(s) and package(s) for a order have beenreceived and stored, then the host computer 201 causes the dispenser forliterature packs 213, dispenser for bottles 207 and dispenser for thepackages 205 to dispense and send the items to the consolidation station215. The consolidation station 215, upon receiving the literature(s),bottle(s) and package(s), combines them into one or more bags (step417). If the received packages completely fill a order, then the one ormore bags can be sealed and a mailing label or internal control labelcan be affixed on each bag. If the received packages do not completelyfill a order and require more packages to be put into the one or morebags, then those bags are sent over to a station where the remainingpackages can be put into the bags or joined to the order.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser forliterature packs 213, dispenser for bottles 207 and dispenser for thepackages 205 can be configured to dispense literature(s), bottle(s) andpackage(s) to fill one order at a time. In particular, the dispenser forliterature packs 213 dispenses one set of literature(s) to fill oneorder for one patient, the dispenser for bottles 207 dispenses one setof bottles to fill the one order, the dispenser for the packages 205dispenses one set of packages to fill the one order. In suchembodiments, the consolidation station 215 is configured to receive thepackages and put them into bags to be mailed or sent over to the nextprocess stations.

In other embodiments of the present invention more than one (e.g., manytens of thousands) of orders can be filled continuously. In suchembodiments, a batch of literature packs for a number of orders can beprinted and queued in the storage device for literature packs 211. Inthis embodiment, the sequence in which the literature packs are queuedcan be used in determining which order's bottle(s) and package(s) arefilled first. For instance, assume the literature packs queued in thedispenser for literature packs 213 are in the following sequence: OrderA, Order B, Order C and so on. If so, the host computer 201 causes thebottle(s) for Order A be filled first. As soon as the bottle(s) arefilled, the host computer 201 then can cause the dispenser for bottles207 to dispense the bottle(s) for Order A to be dispensed and sent overto consolidation station 215, while causing the dispenser for literaturepacks 213 to dispense and send the literature pack for Order A bedispensed and sent over to the consolidation station 215. The hostcomputer 201 also causes the same for the packages to dispensed by thedispenser for the packages 205. The consolidation station 215 thencombines the received packages.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, a batch of bottlesfor a number of orders can be queued in the dispenser for bottles 207.In such embodiments, the sequence in which the bottles are queued can beused in determining which order's literature(s) and package(s) arefilled first in a similar manner as described above. Embodiments inwhich a batch of packages in the dispenser for the packages 205 thatdetermines the sequence of dispensing are also contemplated within thisinvention.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a set of steps that can be performedby the host computer 201, in combination with various otherdevices/components illustrated in FIG. 2 and their local computers whenbottles from the storage device for bottles 209 but no package(s) fromthe storage device for packages 203 are required to fill orders. Asshown in FIG. 5, most of the steps are similar to the steps shown inFIG. 4 but no steps to dispense packages are included.

In FIG. 6, there is shown a set of steps that can be performed by thehost computer 201, in combination with various other devices/componentsillustrated in FIG. 2 and their local computers when package(s) from thestorage device for packages 203 but no bottle from the storage devicefor bottles 209 are required to be filled. As shown in FIG. 6, most ofthe steps are similar to the steps shown in FIG. 4 but no steps todispense bottles are included.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a set of steps that can be performedby the host computer 201, in combination with various otherdevices/components illustrated in FIG. 2 and their local computers whenonly manually picked packages are required to fill orders. Examples ofmanually picked packages are oddly shaped boxes, large boxes, productspackaged in plastic bags, manual assistance, etc. These packages cannotbe stocked in the storage device for packages 203 because of their oddshapes or because of possible failures. As shown in FIG. 7, literaturepacks for the orders are printed (step 701). After one or a batch of theliterature packs have been printed, the host computer 201 is notifiedthat all packs have been printed (steps 703 and 705). Upon receiving thenotification, the host computer 201 sends a set of instructions to anoperator to fill the orders by manually counting the required packages.It should be noted that the steps of manually picking packages can alsobe included in the steps illustrated in FIGS. 4-6.

Now turning to describe details of the various components shown in FIG.2, FIG. 8 illustrates an overall plant layout of an example embodimentof the present invention. In the example embodiment, the storage devicefor literature packs 211 is a dispatch unit 801, the dispenser forliterature packs 213 is a conveyor belt 803 (e.g., a pinch belt), thestorage device for bottles 209 is a bottle storage table 805, thedispenser for bottles 207 is a mechanism that releases bottles queued inthe bottle storage table 805, the storage device for packages 203 is abank of shelves 807, the dispenser for the packages 205 is a standardpicking robot 809, and the consolidation station 215 is an orderconsolidation station 811 including a bagger 813.

These various components can be provided in an assembly lineconfiguration. As shown in FIG. 8, three sets of each component/systemcan be provided. For instance, the order consolidation station 813receives literature packs from the dispatch unit 801 via the conveyorbelt 803, receives bottles from the bottle storage table 805 andreceives the packages from the picking robot 809. The dispatch unit 801includes a scanner to read the barcodes on the literature packs. Thedispatch unit 801 then mounts the literature packs on the belt 803. Itshould be noted that, although FIG. 8 illustrates only three sets ofcomponents, the present invention is not limited to the described numberof sets of components. It follows that the present invention may includeone to as many sets of the components required to fill orders as theymay be received. In one alternative embodiment, a bottle storage tableis not used. In another alternative embodiment, more than one AOC and/orbottle storage table may be used. In other alternative embodiments ofthe invention, manual intervention and/or manual processes may besubstituted for one or more components.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an example of the bottle storage table805 and its assembly that includes a bottle conveyor belt 901, an arrayof bottle storage locations 903, a standard gantry crane 905, a rejectconveyor belt 907 and a bottle conveyor belt 909 to feed bottles fromthe bottle storage table 805 to the order consolidation station. In thisexample, the bottle storage table 805 receives bottles filled by anautomated/manual process as described above in connection with FIG. 2.The labels on the bottles can be scanned to identify its order number.The order number can be barcodes that the host computer 201, or incombination with a local computer, can match to a specific order number.If no match can be made or if any other inconsistencies are detected,the bottle is rejected and sent to a quality assurance station via thebottle reject conveyor belt 907.

Once bottles arrive at the bottle storage table 805, the standard gantrycrane 905 picks up the bottles and places them into one of an array ofbottle storage locations 903. The gantry crane 905 is known in the art.Examples of such devices include 5126-620 Load to Storage H-BOT, ATSStandard Products, 305290-1370-1350-BV, H-BOT, and 5126-640 Unload fromstorage H-BOT, ATS Standard Products, 305290-1370-1350-BV, H-BOT, forexample, as described in Canadian Patent Application No. 2,226,379,incorporated herein by reference. The local computer can determine whichlocation to put each bottle and instruct the crane 905. The locationinformation is then matched and stored into the local computer alongwith a corresponding order number. In some embodiments, each locationmay hold only one bottle. In other embodiments, each location may holdmore than one bottle (e.g., four) belonging to the same order. Whetherthe locations can hold one bottle only or more than one bottle, thelocal computer is configured to store their corresponding order numbers.Accordingly, when the local computer is instructed to release all thebottles belonging to one order, they can all be located.

When one or more locations are identified as having bottles to bereleased, the bottles in those locations can be then picked up by thecrane 905. FIGS. B-C show different perspective view of the bottlestorage table.

In some embodiments, each storage location is in the form of a tubestructure 1001 with a pin switch 1003 near its bottom opening (as shownin FIG. 10). In these embodiments, the tube 1001 structure is configuredto receive the bottles via its top opening and hold them thereinsupported by the pin switch 1003. When the bottles in the tube structureare to be sent over to the order consolidation station 811, the pin 1003is opened by another gantry crane (part of which is shown in FIGS.9B-C). When the pin 1003 is opened, the bottles stored in the tubestructure 1001 (belong to the same order) slide down through the bottomopening of the tube structure 1001. The bottles are then collected andsent over to the order consolidation station 811 via the bottle conveyor909.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the bottle storage table 805 has atwo-dimensional array of storage locations. It should be noted that thebottle storage table 805 can have a one-dimensional array of locationsor any other shape of array of locations as long as each location can beidentified by the local computer.

Now referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a more detailed example of thestorage device for packages 203. In this example, the storage device forpackages 203 includes a number of shelves 807 to store various packagesto be dispensed, a picking robot maintenance area 1101, a picking robottrack and the picking robot 809, such as the MDS picker MODEL—MDS01manufactured by KNAPP Logistics & Automation, 659 Henderson Drive, SuiteI, Catersville, GA 30120 U.S.A. and/or Knapp Logistik Automation Ges. m.b. H., Giinter-Knapp Str. 5-7 A-8075 Hart bei Graz, Osterrich/Austria.In this example embodiment, the shelves are divided into an array ofidentifiable locations. Each shelving location has a replenishing side1103 and picking side 1105. One type of package is fed into eachshelving location from its replenishing side 1103 and picked up by thepicking robot 809 from the picking side 1105. The shelves are optionallyarranged so that the replenishing side 1103 is vertically higher thanthe picking side 1105. This allows the packages to slide 211 down to thepicking side 1105 from the replenishing side 1103.

The locations are stored in a local computer of the storage device forpackages 203. The shelf locations can be in a two-dimensional array. Insuch an embodiment, the picking robot grabbing mechanism 1109 is mountedon an elevator to move up/down/forward/backward. It should be noted thatthe shelves 807 can also be in one-dimensional array or any other shapedarrays as long as its local computer can identify each individual shelflocation. Furthermore, the shelves 807 can be located on two sides ofthe picking robot 809. Accordingly, the picking robot 809 is configuredto pick up packages from both sides thereof. It should also be notedthat three-sided, oval shaped, semi-circular shaped shelf formationsand/or corresponding picking robots are also contemplated withinembodiments of the present invention.

When in operation, the local computer receives instructions from thehost computer 201 that include information relating to the quantity andtype of drugs to be dispensed from the storage device for packages 203.The local computer then commands the picking robot 809 to traverse onthe track 1107 to the location where the package for one type of drugrequested is located. The picking robot 809 then picks up the requestedquantity of the packages (using its grabbing mechanism or end effector1109, for example, a pair of fingers) and so on until the request isfilled. The request can be filled in a certain sequence parallel, and/orin a random fashion. The picking robot 809 can also have sufficientspace to temporarily store all the requested packages to fill therequest. In some embodiments, the picking robot 809 is configured tohave only limited space to temporarily store the packages. In suchembodiments, the local computer is configured to calculate the maximumnumber of packages (based on information of the foot print sizes of eachpackages) that can be fit on the limited space. The local computer thencommands the picking robot 809 to pick up only the maximum number ofpackages per load. In an alternative embodiment, the picking robot canbe replaced with an A-frame or other picking methods, including manualmethods. Alternative control structures or architectures may be usedwith respect to the local and host computers. For example, in analternative embodiment, the host computer or other central computer mayperform one or more of the functions of the local computer.

Once the packages are picked up, the picking robot 809 traverses to thepackage disposing location to unload the picked packages. The pickingrobot 809 can be placed into the picking robot maintenance area 1101 forregularly scheduled maintenance.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show certain components of the example embodiment shownin FIGS. 9-11 and operations thereof. More specifically, FIG. 12illustrates the bottle storage table 805 for the bottles, the pickingrobot 809 and the conveyor belt 803 for the literature packs. Thebottles, packages and literature packs are combined in the orderconsolidation station 811 and put into one or more bags at the bagger813. In operation, bottles filled with counted pills are stored into thebottle storage table 805 (step 1301). When a complete set of bottles isreceived by the bottle storage table 805, its local computer notifiesthe host computer 201 that all the bottles for a particular order havebeen received (step 1303). In response, the host computer 201 causesliterature packs for the order to be printed (step 1305) and sent to thedispatch unit (either in a batch or individually) (step 1307). When theliterature packs are received, they are organized such that literaturepacks for one order are next to each other. The dispatch unit 801 alsodetermines the sequence of orders that the literature packs are receivedby reading identification codes affixed (or printed) on the literaturepacks. The dispatch unit 801 then sends the literature packs, as theyare received and sequenced, to the order consolidation station 811 viathe conveyor belt 803. The dispatch unit 801 also notifies the hostcomputer 201 the sequence of literature packs.

Upon receiving the information from the dispatch unit 801, the hostcomputer 201 then instructs the bottle storage table 805 to releasecorresponding bottles and the picking robot 809 to pick correspondingpackages of the order (steps to 1309 and 1311). The example embodimentis further configured such that the bottles, packages and literaturepacks all arrive at the bagger 803 simultaneously for each order,although the bagger 803 can optionally receive them at different timesin storage locations for later bagging. This configuration allows thebagger 803 to put the bottles, packages, and literature packs into oneor more bags automatically.

Now referring to FIG. 14, there is shown mechanical/schematicillustration of an example embodiment of the dispenser for the packages205 and consolidation station 215. In particular, FIG. 14 shows anexample package scanning and labeling station 1401. The station 1401includes an induct belt 1403 configured to receive packages picked andunloaded by the picking robot 809. The received packages are thentransported to a separation and accumulation belt 1405 configured to putgaps between the packages. The separation and accumulation belt 1405then moves the packages into a set of barcode scanners 1407 configuredto detect and read barcodes from any of five exposed sides of thepackages. (Since the packages are boxes, when the packages are placed onthe belt 1405, five sides are exposed other than the side that touchesthe belt.) In such embodiments, when the packages are replenished intothe shelves, their barcodes should not be on the bottom. In some otherembodiments, only a top side can be scanned as long as the packages areplaced into the shelves so that their barcodes are on the top.Accordingly, any combination of barcode readers can be used as long asbarcodes on the packages can be detected and read. It should be notedthat in some embodiments of the present invention, the belt 1405 can betransparent so that barcodes from the bottom side of the packages canalso be detected and read by a barcode reader located below the belt1405.

When barcodes are read, they are verified by a local computer. The localcomputer ensures that the scanned package actually belongs to the orderthat is about to be filled by the consolidation station 215. After thebarcode scanners 1407 are used, the images of the packages are capturedby a camera 1409. The images are then sent to the local computer todetermine the shape and orientation of the packages as they lay on thebelt 1405. Based on the determined shape, height and orientation, thelocal computer commands a robot arm to pick up the package from the belt1405. An example of conventional computer vision software includes AdeptAIM System, Motionware, Robot & Vision, Version 3.3B-Jun. 9, 1999, U.S.Pat. No. 4,835,730.

FIGS. 15A, 16 and 17 schematically show example components of thestorage device for packages 203, dispenser for the packages 205 andconsolidation station 215. FIGS. 15B-E show mechanical drawings of partsof these example components in different perspective views. As part ofthe dispenser for the packages 205, the example embodiment includes theinduct conveyor belt 1403 for the packages, the conveyor belt 1405 forthe packages, the barcode tunnel 1407, a order labeler 1501, a labelbarcode reader 1503 and a robot 1505. An example of conventional labelprinters includes Zebra Technologies Corp., Model: 90XiIII, Address: 333Corporate Woods Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. And, and example ofconventional robots includes Staubi Corp., Model: RX60, Address: 201Parkway West, P.O Box 189; Hillside Park, Duncan, S.C. 29334.

Similar to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the packages aretransported through the barcode tunnel 1407 that detects and readsbarcodes on the packages. The packages are then picked up by the robot1505 (using its end effector 1601 as shown in FIG. 16). The localcomputer causes a patient label to be printed by the patient labeler1501 for each package. The information printed on the labels and theform of the labels are discussed below in connection with FIG. 18. Whilea package is picked up by the robot 1505 and being transported, itslabel is affixed to the package. Then the robot 1505 swings the packagenext to the barcode reader 1503. The presence of a correct label isdetermined by the label barcode reader 1503. In addition, the robot1501, label barcode reader 1503, and their local computer can also beconfigured to cooperate with each other to detect the labels and rejectany packages without a label or with an incorrect label. Once, thepackage is determined to have a correct label affixed thereto, the robot1505 can drop the package into the bag opened in the bagger 813 as willbe discussed below in connection with FIGS. 19-20.

With respect to the bottles, they are transported via a metal detectconveyor 1509 which has a metal detector 1511 rejected thereon. In suchexample embodiments, the bottles are passed through the metal detector1511 which determines any presence of metallic substances in thebottles. Bottles with metallic substances are rejected. The bottlesbelonging to one order are then placed into a bottle magazine 1513 by apick-and-place device 1507. An example of pick-and-place devicesincludes Stelron, Model: SVIP-A-M-P-6.00, X-2.00 Y-spec, U.S. Pat. No.3,703,834, Mahwah, N.J. In this example embodiment, a bottle barcodereader is provided to ensure that correct bottles have been delivered tothe bottle magazine. Once all the bottles have been loaded to the bottlemagazine, they can be released into the bag opened by the bagger 813 allwill be discussed below in connection with FIGS. 19-20.

With respect to the literature packs, they are transported to the bagger813 via the literature conveyor 803. As the packs arrive at the bagger813, their barcodes are detected and checked by a literature barcodereader 1517. The literature barcode reader 1517 and it local computerensures that correct literature packs are to be included in the bag. Asthe literature packs arrive, they are discharged into the bag as will bediscussed below in connection with FIGS. 19-20.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example label 1801 to be affixed on a package.The label has patient information printed thereon. For instance, thepatient information may include one or any combination of the followinginformation: the name of the doctor; how often the package is to betaken by the patient; the name of the drug; the manufacturer of thedrug; the number or strength of the drug; any warnings; any refills;and/or the number of or quantity of the packages being dispensed,directly or indirectly, to the patient, if it is standard patient labelinformation. Other information as required may alternatively be printedor placed on the label as well.

The label, after being printed, is folded up so that one surface hasadhesive placed thereon and the other surface has an identification mark(e.g., barcodes) printed thereon. An example of a folded label is shownas 1803. The side with the adhesive is placed on its correspondingpackage and pressed thereon in order to securely attach the label to itspackage. When the label is folded up, its size is approximately, a oneand one-half inch long by one and one-half inch wide. When the label isnot folded, the label is about eleven inches long in its width is oneand one-half inches. A wrapping tool is provided to fold up the labels.

In contrast to the prior art Outserts which do not contain informationspecific to any patient, the present invention advantageously includespatient specific information on the label.

FIG. 19 illustrates the steps taken by the various components, theirlocal computers, and the host computer 201 in the order consolidationstation 215. In particular, bottles belonging to one order number arereceived from the bottle storage table 805 (step 1901). The receivedbottles are run through the metal detector 1511 (step 1903). The bottlesare then mounted on the bottle magazine 1513 by the pick-and-placedevice 1507 (step 1905). Simultaneously, packages belonging to the sameorder number are received from the storage device for packages 203 (step1907). A label is affixed to each of the received packages (step 1909).Again simultaneously, the conveyor belt 803 moves literature packsbelonging to the same order number to the bagger. When all the itemsarrive, they are disposed into one or more bags at the bagger 813.

If any error is detected, the items belonging to the same order numberare all sent to a quality assurance station. If the error cannot beresolved, the order is cancelled and re-ordered. The host computer 201reinitiates the process from the beginning to fill the order again. Theexample errors can be a rejected bottle because a metallic substance wasdetected, a patient label not being affixed to a package, incorrectliterature packs being delivered, etc.

Now referring to FIG. 20, there is shown an example embodiment of thebagger 813 in detail. The example bagger 813 includes a supply of bags2001, a printer 2003, tamp 2004, a scanner 2005, a mechanism 2006 toopen a bag and hold it open and a mechanism 2007 to seal the bag. Inoperation, bags are fed from the bag supply 2001 one at a time. As thebags move up through the bagger 815, a label or information about theorder that is about to be filled is placed on the bag. For example, Thelabel may be printed and then pressed against the bag by the tamp 2004.The label or information is then detected and read by the scanner 2005.The scanner determines whether the correct label is printed and/or thelabel is properly affixed to the bag. The bag is then opened to receivethe items in the manner as described above in connection with FIG. 19.If the bag contains all the items necessary to fill the order, then thebag is sealed. Optionally, the bag is not sealed, if an error isdetected. If one or more manually picked packages are required asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 7, then the bag is leftunsealed. Although the present invention includes a bagger as describedabove, any container that can receive various pharmaceutical productsand literature packs are also contemplated within this invention.

Now referring back to FIG. 15A, since the sealed bags are ready to bedistributed or mailed, they are put on, for example, a conveyor belt1519. For the unsealed bags, they are put on a tote conveyor 1521 in atote. The tote is then transferred to an operator who can thencompletely fill the order by manually adding the required package(s).

In order to fill order in the manner described above in connection withFIG. 19 in a continuous basis, flow logic, error detection and/orcorrection may be required. FIG. 21 illustrates an example processcalled consolidation logic 2101 and its interface with other examplecontrol logic processes for various components. The logic processes canrun on the host computer 201 and/or in combination with the localcomputers.

For example, a literature handling process 2103 can interact with theconsolidation logic process 2101 to ensure correct literature packs areincluded when a order is filled. As shown in FIG. 17, the conveyor belthas three positions. Position 1 designates the position on the belt 803in which its literature pack is ready to be disposed into the bag at thebagger 813. Position 2 designates the position on the belt 803 in whichits literature pack can be discarded if some error is detected. Position3 designates the position on the belt in which the barcode reader 1517shown in FIG. 15A detects and reads the barcode of the literature pack.The literature handling logic 2103 can report on the status of theliterature packs in the three positions. In turn, the consolidationlogic process 2101 can instruct the literature handling logic process2103 to perform one or more tasks (e.g., accept or reject certainliterature packs and/or advance the conveyor belt 803).

For example, in FIG. 22, the consolidation logic 2101 starts by queryingwhether the literature packs are in a steady state (step 2201). In otherwords, the process 2101 is attempting to determine if the literaturepacks are being supplied by the conveyor belt 803. It is also attemptingto determine if any literature packs have been consolidated. It thendetermines if there are literature packs in positions 1 and 2 (steps2201 and 2203). If the answer is affirmative, then it further determinesif the literature pack in the position 2 is in the same order as theliterature packs were picked by the dispatch unit 801 and fed to theconveyor belt 803 (step 2209). If not, the literature pack in theposition 2 is discarded (step 2209). If affirmative, then theconsolidation logic 2101 further determines if the literature pack inthe position 2 is consolidated (step 2211). If affirmative, then theliterature pack in position 2 is discarded (step 2209). Subsequently,the belt 803 is moved one position to repeat the processes. In this way,multiple literature packs can be put into one bag.

In some occasions, a bag at the bagger 813 cannot receive all the items.A second bag may be required to put literature packs only. This iscalled a literature pack only order. For such an order, the bagger 813is not required to print a mailing label. As shown in FIG. 23, the logicprocess 2101 first determines if the literatures pack in the position 2is for literature only order (step 2301). If so, the literature pack isdischarged (step 2303). If not, the process confirms the barcode isdetected and read the barcode on the literature pack (step 2305). If so,the process further determines if the literature pack in the position 1is for the bottles in the bottle magazine (step 2307). If so, theprocess also determines if the print queue in the bagger is in aliterature only mode (i.e., not required to print any label) (step2309). If so, then the literature pack is discharged (step 2303). FIGS.24-26 show various other decisions to be made by the literature handlinglogic process 2103 and consolidation logic process 2101.

Now referring back to FIG. 21, besides the literature handling logic2103, the consolidation logic process 2101 also interacts with otherprocesses (e.g., a robot process 2105, patient label printer process2107, bagger process 2109, etc.). It should be noted that FIGS. 21-26are provided herein only as a part of an example embodiment in whichorders are continuously filled in a high speed. Furthermore, these logicprocesses are specifically engineered only in the case with specificimplementations. For example, if there are four or more positions forthe literature packs rather than three as described above, then thelogic processes would be required to be correspondingly changed. Hence,one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate possible permutationsand combination of logic processes for various control flow logicimplementations.

In addition, instead of relying solely on logic processes, in otherexample embodiments, manual processes can also be implemented. Forinstance, if an error is detected, the bag and its contents can be sentto quality assurance stations where one or more operators can check andcorrect the errors.

FIG. 27 is a computer networking diagram illustrating an exampleembodiment in which the host computer 201, local computers and theirvarious processes are connected to each other. In this exampleembodiment, the host computer 201 includes two main processes: anADS-PAC process 2701 and a CADS-PAC process 2703. The ADS-PAC process2701 controls the way in which pills are dispensed into bottles in anautomated pill dispensing device (e.g., the ADDS shown in FIG. 1). Abottle table 1 (one of many tables) includes a PLC 2705. The PLC 2705 isin turn connected to a bottle table communication node 2707 via adedicated link 2709 (e.g., Ethernet). The node 2707 is then connected tothe ADS-PAC 2701 via another dedicated link. Alternatively, the ADS-PACand the CADS-PAC process may be combined or separated using a variety ofstandard methods or programming techniques.

Once bottles are filled for one or more orders, the information relatingto those orders is transferred over to the CAD-PAC process 2703. Thisprocess then carries out the consolidation process. For example, theCAD-PAC process 2703 is connected to an AOC cell communication node 2709via a dedicated line. The controller for the patient label printer 2711is controlled directly by the AOC node 2709 over an RS-232 line 2713because relatively large data need to be transferred to the printer toprint the patient labels (similarly, the controller for the baggerprinter 2715 also has a direct connection to the AOC node 2709). Otherdevices, for example, the controller for literature dispatch unit 2717,are indirectly connected to the AOC node 2709 via an AOC cell PLC 2719.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of the architecture of the combined Internet,POTS (plain, old, telephone service), and ADSL (asymmetric, digital,subscriber line) for use in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. In other words, instead of using dedicated lines andsuch communication schemes as shown in FIG. 27, this example embodimentenvisions a remotely controllable system. Furthermore, it is to beunderstood that the use of the Internet, ADSL, and POTS are forexemplary reasons only and that any suitable communications network maybe substituted without departing from the principles of the presentinvention. This particular example is briefly discussed below.

In FIG. 28, to preserve POTS and to prevent a fault in the ADSLequipment 2854, 2856 from compromising analog voice traffic 2826 thevoice part of the spectrum (the lowest 4 kHz) is separated from the restby a passive filter, called a POTS splitter 2858, 2860. The rest of theavailable bandwidth—from about 10 kHz to 1 MHz—carries data at rates upto 6 bits per second for every hertz of bandwidth from data equipment2862, 2864, and 2894. The ADSL equipment 2856 then has access to anumber of destinations including significantly the Internet 2820 orother data communications networks, and other destinations 2870, 2872.

To exploit the higher frequencies, ADSL makes use of advanced modulationtechniques, of which the best known is the discrete multitone (DMT)technology. As its name implies, ADSL transmits data asymmetrically—atdifferent rates upstream toward the central office 2852 and downstreamtoward the subscriber 2850.

Cable television services are providing analogous Internet service to PCusers over their TV cable systems by means of special cable modems. Suchmodems are capable of transmitting up to 30 Mb/s over hybrid fiber/coaxsystem, which use fiber to bring signals to a neighborhood and coax todistribute it to individual subscribers.

Cable modems come in many forms. Most create a downstream data streamout of one of the 6-MHz TV channels that occupy spectrum above 50 MHz(and more likely 550 MHz) and carve an upstream channel out of the5-50-MHz band, which is currently unused. Using 64-state quadratureamplitude modulation (64 QAM), a downstream channel can realisticallytransmit about 30 Mb/s (the oft-quoted lower speed of 10 Mb/s refers toPC rates associated with Ethernet connections). Upstream rates differconsiderably from vendor to vendor, but good hybrid fiber/coax systemscan deliver upstream speeds of a few megabits per second. Thus, likeADSL, cable modems transmit much more information downstream thanupstream. Then Internet architecture 2820 and ADSL architecture 2854,2856 may also be combined with, for example, user networks 2822, 2824,and 2028.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, in oneexample, a main computing server (e.g., the host computer 201)implementing the process of the invention may be located on one or morecomputing nodes or terminals (e.g., on user networks 2822, 2824, and2828 or system 2840). Then, various users (e.g., one or more of thelocal computers described above) may interface with the main server via,for instance, the ADSL equipment discussed above, and access theinformation and processes of the present invention from remotely locatedPCs. As illustrated in this embodiment, users may access, use orinteract with the computer assisted program in computer system 2840 viavarious access methods. Databases 2885, 2886, 2887, 2888, and 2840 areaccessible via, for example computer system 2840 and may be used inconjunction with client manager module 2891, tracking module 2892, forthe various functions described above.

Viewed externally in FIG. 29, a computer system (e.g., the host computer201 or the local computers) designated by reference numeral 2940 has acomputer 2942 having disk drives 2944 and 2946. Disk drive indications2944 and 2946 are merely symbolic of a number of disk drives which mightbe accommodated by the computer system. Typically, these would include afloppy disk drive 2944, a hard disk drive (not shown externally) and aCD ROM indicated by slot 2946. The number and type of drives vary,typically with different computer configurations. Disk drives 2944 and2946 are in fact optional, and for space considerations, are easilyomitted from the computer system used in conjunction with the productionprocess/apparatus described herein.

The computer system also has an optional display upon which informationscreens may be displayed. In some situations, a keyboard 2950 and amouse 2952 are provided as input devices through which a user's actionsmay be inputted, thus allowing input to interface with the centralprocessing unit 2942. Then again, for enhanced portability, the keyboard2950 is either a limited function keyboard or omitted in its entirety.In addition, mouse 2952 optionally is a touch pad control device, or atrack ball device, or even omitted in its entirety as well, andsimilarly may be used to input a user's selections. In addition, thecomputer system also optionally includes at least one infraredtransmitter and/or infrared received for either transmitting and/orreceiving infrared signals, as described below.

FIG. 30 illustrates a block diagram of one example of the internalhardware 3040 configured to perform various example steps as describedabove. A bus 3056 serves as the main information highway interconnectingvarious components therein. CPU 3058 is the central processing unit ofthe internal hardware 3040, performing calculations and logic operationsrequired to execute the control/operation processes of the presentinvention as well as other programs. Read only memory (ROM) 3060 andrandom access memory (RAM) 3062 constitute the main memory of theinternal hardware 2140. Disk controller 3064 interfaces one or more diskdrives to the system bus 3056. These disk drives are, for example,floppy disk drives 3070, or CD ROM or DVD (digital video disks) drives3066, or internal or external hard drives 3068. These various diskdrives and disk controllers are optional devices.

A display interface 3072 interfaces display 3048 and permits informationfrom the bus 3056 to be displayed on display 3048. Communications withexternal devices such as the other components (e.g., a PLC) of thesystem described above, occur utilizing, for example, communication port3074. Optical fibers and/or electrical cables and/or conductors and/oroptical communication (e.g., infrared, and the like) and/or wirelesscommunication (e.g., radio frequency (RF), and the like) can be used asthe transport medium between the external devices and communication port3074. Peripheral interface 3054 interfaces the keyboard 3050 and mouse3052, permitting input data to be transmitted to bus 3056. In additionto these components, the internal hardware 3040 also optionally includean infrared transmitter and/or infrared receiver. Infrared transmittersare optionally utilized when the computer system is used in conjunctionwith one or more of the processing components/stations/modules thattransmits/receives data via infrared signal transmission. Instead ofutilizing an infrared transmitter or infrared receiver, the computersystem may also optionally use a low power radio transmitter 3080 and/ora low power radio receiver 3082. The low power radio transmittertransmits the signal for reception by components of the productionprocess, and receives signals from the components via the low powerradio receiver. The low power radio transmitter and/or receiver arestandard devices in industry.

Although the server in FIG. 31 is illustrated having a single processor,a single hard disk drive and a single local memory, the analyzer isoptionally suitably equipped with any multitude or combination ofprocessors or storage devices. For example, the computer may be replacedby, or combined with, any suitable processing system operative inaccordance with the principles of embodiments of the present invention,including sophisticated calculators, and hand-held, laptop/notebook,mini, mainframe and super computers, as well as processing systemnetwork combinations of the same.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of an example computer readable memory medium3184 utilizable for storing computer readable code or instructions. Asone example, medium 3184 may be used with disk drives illustrated inFIG. 30. Typically, memory media such as floppy disks, or a CD ROM, or adigital video disk will contain, for example, a multi-byte locale for asingle byte language and the program information for controlling themodeler to enable the computer to perform the functions describedherein. Alternatively, ROM 3060 and/or RAM 3062 illustrated in FIG. 30can also be used to store the program information that is used toinstruct the central processing unit 3058 to perform the operationsassociated with various automated processes of the present invention.Other examples of suitable computer readable media for storinginformation include magnetic, electronic, or optical (includingholographic) storage, some combination thereof, etc.

In general, it should be emphasized that the various components ofembodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware,software or a combination thereof. In such embodiments, the variouscomponents and steps would be implemented in hardware and/or software toperform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. Anypresently available or future developed computer software languageand/or hardware components can be employed in such embodiments of thepresent invention. For example, at least some of the functionalitymentioned above could be implemented using Visual Basic, C, C++, or anyassembly language appropriate in view of the processor(s) being used. Itcould also be written in an interpretive environment such as Java andtransported to multiple destinations to various users.

The many features and advantages of embodiments of the present inventionare apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intendedby the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of theinvention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occurto those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention tothe exact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A bottle transfer system, comprising: a plurality of storagelocations; a first transport mechanism transporting the bottle to one ofthe plurality of storage locations, wherein the bottle is stored by theone of the plurality of storage locations; a computer system receivingthe patient specific order, said patient specific order comprising oneor more bottles; and said computer system identifying one or morestorage locations, wherein the first transport mechanism transfers theone or more bottles corresponding to a patient specific order to the oneor more storage locations, wherein the computer system controls thetransfer of the one or more bottles from at least one of the pluralityof storage locations when the one or more bottles are ready fordispensing with other components of the patient specific order,including at least one of another bottle and the patient specificliterature corresponding to the patient specific order.
 2. The bottletransfer system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage locationsform a table and wherein the first transport mechanism is disposed on atop side of the table and a second transport mechanism is disposed on abottom side of the table.
 3. The bottle transfer system of claim 1,further comprising an order consolidation station configured to: atleast one of receive the one or more bottles containing a number ofpills individually counted and receive from a second system at least onepackage containing prepackaged pharmaceutical products as determined bythe patient specific order; at least one identifier detector to detectidentification information associated with the at least one bottle, andto detect at least another identification information associated withthe at least one package, and wherein the computer system is configuredto coordinate the placing of the at least one bottle and the at leastone package in a container when the at least one identificationinformation associated with the bottle and the at least anotheridentification information associated with the at least one containercorrespond to the at least one prescription order.
 4. The bottletransfer system of claim 1, further comprising an order consolidationstation configured to print at least one customized literature pack forthe at least one patient specific order comprising patient specificinformation; and insert automatically the at least one literature packinto the container.
 5. The bottle transfer system of claim 3, furthercomprising: a package storage device having an array of locations andconfigured to store the at least one package into one of the array oflocations; and a package dispenser configured to identify the one of thearray of locations, obtain the at least one package from the one of thearray of locations and provide the at least one package to the secondsystem.
 6. The bottle transfer system of claim 3, further comprising apackage label printer to print at least one label for the at least onepackage, wherein the label is printed with patient specific information.7. The bottle transfer system of claim 6, wherein the package dispenserfurther includes a labeler to affix a label on the at least one package.8. The bottle transfer system of claim 6, wherein the package dispenserfurther includes an error detection system configured to detect thelabel affixed on the at least one package and reject the at least onepackage if an error is detected.
 9. The bottle transfer system of claim1, further comprising a metal detector configured to detect a metallicsubstance in the at least one bottle, wherein the bottle is transportedto a quality assurance area if a metallic substance is detected.
 10. Thebottle transfer system of claim 1, further comprising a bottle dispensercomprises a bottle buffer configured to receive the at least one bottlebelonging to the one of at least one prescription order, wherein thebottle buffer is disposed and configured to release the received atleast one bottle.
 11. The bottle transfer system of claim 3, furthercomprising a packager configured to open the container to receive the atleast one bottle and at least one package.
 12. The bottle transfersystem of claim 11, wherein the packager comprises: a printer configuredto print an address or internal control information, and affix theaddress or the internal control information on the container.
 13. Acontainer transfer system, comprising: a plurality of storage locations,the plurality of storage locations storing one or more containerscorresponding to a patient specific prescription order; a firsttransport mechanism transporting said one or more containers to one ormore of the plurality of storage locations, wherein said one or morecontainers are stored by the one or more of the plurality of storagelocations; a computer system receiving the patient specific order, saidpatient specific order comprising one or more containers; and saidcomputer system identifying one or more storage locations, wherein thefirst transport mechanism transfers the one or more containerscorresponding to a patient specific order to the one or more pluralityof storage locations, wherein the computer system generates aninstruction to transfer the one or more containers corresponding to thepatient specific order has been transferred to the one or more of theplurality of storage locations for dispensing with other components ofthe patient specific order, including at least one of another containerand patient specific literature corresponding to the patient specificorder.
 14. The container transfer system of claim 13, wherein theplurality of storage locations form a table and wherein the firsttransport mechanism is disposed on a top side of the table and a secondtransport mechanism is disposed on a bottom side of the table.
 15. Thecontainer transfer system of claim 13, further comprising an orderconsolidation station configured to: at least one of receive the one ormore containers containing a number of pills individually counted andreceive from a second system at least one package containing prepackagedpharmaceutical products as determined by the patient specific order; atleast one identifier detector to detect identification informationassociated with the at least one container, and to detect at leastanother identification information associated with the at least onepackage, and wherein the computer system is configured to coordinate theplacing of the at least one container and the at least one package in acontainer when the at least one identification information associatedwith the container and the at least another identification informationassociated with the at least one container correspond to the at leastone prescription order.
 16. The container transfer system of claim 13,further comprising an order consolidation station configured to print atleast one customized literature pack for the at least one patientspecific order comprising patient specific information; and insertautomatically the at least one literature pack into the container. 17.The container transfer system of claim 15, further comprising: a packagestorage device having an array of locations and configured to store theat least one package into one of the array of locations; and a packagedispenser configured to identify the one of the array of locations,obtain the at least one package from the one of the array of locationsand provide the at least one package to the second system.
 18. Thecontainer transfer system of claim 15, further comprising a packagelabel printer to print at least one label for the at least one package,wherein the label is printed with patient specific information.
 19. Thecontainer transfer system of claim 18, wherein the package dispenserfurther includes a labeler to affix a label on the at least one package.20. The container transfer system of claim 18, wherein the packagedispenser further includes an error detection system configured todetect the label affixed on the at least one package and reject the atleast one package if an error is detected.
 21. The container transfersystem of claim 13, further comprising a metal detector configured todetect a metallic substance in the at least one container, wherein thecontainer is transported to a quality assurance area if a metallicsubstance is detected.
 22. The container transfer system of claim 13,further comprising a container dispenser comprises a container bufferconfigured to receive the at least one container belonging to the one ofat least one prescription order, wherein the container buffer isdisposed and configured to release the received at least one container.23. The container transfer system of claim 15, further comprising apackager configured to open the container to receive the at least onecontainer and at least one package.
 24. The container transfer system ofclaim 23, wherein the packager comprises: a printer configured to printan address or internal control information, and affix the address or theinternal control information on the container.
 25. The containertransfer system of claim 13, wherein said plurality of storage locationsinclude a stoppage mechanism having a first position and a secondposition, and wherein said container transfer system further comprises asecond transport mechanism responsively connected to transfer thestoppage mechanism between the first position and the second position.26. The container transfer system of claim 13, wherein the computersystem generates an instruction for the second transport mechanism totransfer the stoppage mechanism of the one or more of the plurality ofstorage locations between the first position and the second positionwhen the one or more containers corresponding to the patient specificorder has been transferred to the one or more of the plurality ofstorage locations and are ready for dispensing with other components ofthe patient specific order.